All The Monitor's View
In Iran-West nuclear talks, a new deadline is a lifelineBy not walking away from their talks after the Nov. 24 deadline, Iran and the US-led big powers indicate progress has been made amid a rising level of trust. That trust must be further built up to persuade each side's hardline critics that a deal is viable.
In praise of a global sacrificeFrom India to Indonesia, more leaders are reducing fuel subsidies, and not only for economic reasons. Doing so also helps reduce inequality, curb carbon pollution, and free up money to directly aid the poor.
A Thanksgiving lesson for Obama's immigration movePresident Obama's move to shield many illegal immigrants from deportation came just before Thanksgiving. There is a lesson in that first close encounter between English settlers and native Americans.
Post-crisis, the world reconnects its dotsMeasures of globalization show a rebound of connectedness since the 2008 economic crisis. Tracking what unites people is more critical than identifying what splinters them.
Merkel challenges Putin's worldviewThe crisis over Ukraine has escalated to Russia making power plays in many parts of Europe. The German leader wisely says the issue is one of international law and values, not a clash over spheres of influence.
A beheading that fails to intimidateThe parents of Peter Kassig, who was beheaded by Islamic State militants, ask people to remember his 'work.' That work – bringing health and aid to those suffering in a conflict zone – is a humanitarian principle that cannot be killed.
The air ball in NBA's call for sports gamblingThe NBA commissioner wants Congress to allow sports gambling. The NHL commissioner does not. In this contest, merit-based sports must win, not the belief in luck.
Catch a comet, catch some inspirationEurope's landing of the Philae probe on a comet from the Rosetta orbiter reflects not only a remarkable feat, it also shows why nations use space exploration to spur Earth-bound inspiration and innovation.
US-China pacts: a leap for universal valuesIn a surprise, China and the US sign four agreements – on climate, trade, military, and visas – that signal a breakthrough in embracing common values. For China, this is a huge change from not accepting the universality of values.
How to direct Mexican fury over gang killingsThe gang killings of 43 students sparks outrage over local organized crime and President Peña Nieto’s security policies. Yet at least three cities have set models for how to curb gang violence and increase respect for rule of law.
A model in Detroit's post-bankruptcy planMany private and public institutions had to come together in a shared vision for the city to allow it to emerge so quickly and well from America's largest municipal bankruptcy.
The best weapon in Obama's war on Islamic StateWaging war on Islamic State ('ISIS') must include reaching those Muslims under its thumb with a message that Islam grants equality among individuals under God, not under a religious leader who uses violence to rule daily life.
Obama, GOP can now partner on one project: trade pactsAfter this midterm election, a new Republican-led Congress can start to build trust with President Obama by striking a deal on proposed trade pacts with Asia and Europe. The US needs such bipartisanship to spur growth and shape global values.
Africa's test of unity over Ebola crisisIn a mark of progress and unity, the African Union finally sent its first-ever humanitarian mission to help curb Ebola. Then it reacted swiftly to a military takeover in Burkina Faso. The continent must create more cohesion in order to assist itself.
Shake, rattle, and voter rolls: The new politics in Europe, USThe recent recession may still be changing politics in Europe and the US, not only on specific issues but on qualities of governance, such as accountability, transparency, and wider participation.
When central banks try to create optimismIn Japan, Europe and the US, central banks have tried to alter consumer pessimism – that might lead to deflation – by flooding financial markets with money. Can a behavior of hope be 'nudged' in this way?
Ukraine can cleanse its past, heal its futureA new 'lustration' law may be too harsh and sweeping in fingering workers in past regimes for alleged wrongdoing. Curbing corruption and potential tyranny may require some leniency toward past officials who repent.
In Ebola disputes, keep focus on health workersA common theme that can help resolve Ebola disputes – such as issues over medical protocols and quarantines – is the desire to support healing professionals in West Africa.
Best path for post-election BrazilAfter a divisive campaign and President Rousseff's squeaker reelection victory, Brazil must follow Mexico's model and unite major parties behind a pact for reform.
Election helps Ukraine be 'European'Three pro-European parties gained a majority in Sunday's election for parliament. Now those parties must learn what the European Union still struggles with: unity in diversity.
